Oh, Brussels sprouts – those little green nuggets that people either love or haven’t tried the right way yet! I used to steer clear of them until I discovered the magic of cooking Brussels sprouts in the air fryer. One bite of these crispy, caramelized gems, and I was hooked. The air fryer works wonders, transforming them from mushy to perfectly crunchy in just 15 minutes. No more soggy sides! It’s become my go-to weeknight trick—quick, healthy, and so dang tasty. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters at my table sneak seconds. And the best part? Minimal cleanup. Let’s get those sprouts sizzling!
Why You’ll Love This Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe
Listen, if you’re on the fence about Brussels sprouts, this recipe is about to change everything. Here’s why it’s the side dish I make at least twice a week:
- Crazy crispy: That air fryer magic gives you golden, caramelized edges with tender centers—no sad, steamed sprouts here.
- Ready in 20 minutes: Faster than preheating my oven (and I’ve timed both!). Toss, cook, devour.
- Healthy but indulgent: Just a splash of olive oil and spices—no heavy sauces needed for insane flavor.
- Kid-approved: My nephew calls them “tiny crunchy cabbages” and steals them off my plate. Enough said.
Bonus? Your kitchen smells like a fancy bistro. Zero regrets.
Ingredients for Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer
Grab these simple staples—you probably have most in your kitchen already! The beauty of this recipe is how few ingredients it takes to make something spectacular:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved—look for bright green, firm ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (the good stuff—it makes all the difference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use kosher—it sticks better than table salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if you’ve got it)
That’s it! Five ingredients between you and crispy sprout heaven.
How to Make Brussel Sprouts in the Air Fryer
Alright, let’s turn those little green guys into crispy perfection! This method is foolproof—I’ve made it dozens of times (sometimes while half-asleep), and it never fails. Here’s exactly how to nail it:
Preheating the Air Fryer
Don’t skip this! Crank your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat up for 3-5 minutes. A hot start means even cooking and that addictive crunch we’re after. (Yes, I’ve tried rushing it—soggy sprouts don’t lie.)
Seasoning the Brussels Sprouts
Dump your halved sprouts into a big bowl. Drizzle with olive oil—get every nook and cranny! Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss like you mean it. I use my hands to massage the oil and spices in; it’s weirdly satisfying and ensures no sad, bland bites.
Cook and Shake the Basket
Spread the sprouts in a single layer—no stacking! Crowding = steaming, and we want crispiness. Set the timer for 12 minutes. At the 6-minute mark, shake that basket like a Polaroid picture. This lets all sides get golden and gorgeous. Peek near the end—if they’re not crispy enough, add 2-3 more minutes. You’ll hear them sizzling!
Tips for Perfect Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer
Okay, here’s the real talk—those little details that take your sprouts from “good” to “can’t-stop-eating-them” amazing:
- Size matters: Keep sprouts uniform—halve the big ones, leave small ones whole. Nobody wants burnt bits next to undercooked centers.
- Dry is key: Pat sprouts dry after washing. Wet sprouts = steamed sadness. A salad spinner works wonders here.
- Shake it up: Don’t just peek—give that basket a proper shake halfway. I flip stubborn pieces with tongs for max crisp.
- Batch wisely: Need more? Cook in batches. Overcrowding is the enemy of crunch (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way).
Bonus trick: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan right after cooking—it melts into salty, umami magic. You’re welcome!
Variations for Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, it’s time to play! My family demands these twists on rotation:
- Balsamic drizzle: Toss cooked sprouts with 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze—the sweet-tart punch is irresistible.
- Parmesan party: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated Parm right after cooking; the residual heat makes it melt into salty perfection.
- Spicy kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or smoked paprika to the oil mixture for a warm buzz.
- Honey-sriracha: Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 teaspoon sriracha for sticky-sweet heat (toss after air frying).
Pro tip: Add crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling fancy—my uncle swears it’s life-changing.
Serving Suggestions for Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer
These crispy sprouts are crazy versatile! I love them piled next to juicy air-fried chicken thighs or roasted salmon for an easy weeknight meal. They’re also killer tossed into grain bowls with quinoa and a fried egg. My dad? He eats them straight from the basket with a cold beer—no shame!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge—they’ll stay tasty for 3-4 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (soggy tragedy!) and pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes. They’ll crisp right up again—almost like fresh! Pro tip: Sprinkle with a pinch of salt post-reheat for revived flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving—but remember, these are estimates! Your exact numbers might vary slightly based on olive oil brands or sprout sizes. Either way, it’s a guilt-free side that packs fiber and vitamins:
- Calories: 90
- Carbs: 10g (4g fiber)
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g (mostly the good kind!)
Basically, you’re eating something that tastes indulgent but is secretly wholesome. Win-win!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get questions all the time about these air fryer Brussels sprouts—here are the answers to the ones that pop up most!
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
You can, but thaw them first! Frozen sprouts release too much water. After thawing, pat them bone dry with paper towels—I’m talking no moisture left—or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
How Do I Prevent Soggy Sprouts?
Two golden rules: dry sprouts (wetness is the enemy!) and don’t crowd the basket. If they’re piled on top of each other, they’ll steam. Single layer always—even if it means cooking in batches.
Why Aren’t My Sprouts Getting Crispy?
Usually means one of three things: your air fryer wasn’t preheated, you skipped the halfway shake, or the oil coating wasn’t even. Also, older sprouts take longer—choose firm, fresh ones when possible!
Can I Make These Ahead?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the seasoned sprouts up to 2 hours ahead. Just keep them uncovered in the fridge so they stay dry. Cook right before serving for maximum crunch.
Rate This Recipe
Love these crispy sprouts? Leave a star rating below—it helps other home cooks discover this easy side dish! Happy crunching!
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Crispy Brussel Sprouts Air Fryer Recipe in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Brussels sprouts cooked in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra crispiness, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, air fryer, crispy, healthy, vegetarian
